Reputation is not the number of stars, but perception.
Most companies believe that the more positive reviews, the better. But reputation is not arithmetic. It's a balance of trust and credibility, where even good comments can be harmful if they appear insincere.
When «too good» means suspicious.
Why perfect reviews breed distrust.
Today, users can distinguish real reviews from fake ones. If a company receives dozens of enthusiastic comments without a single neutral opinion, it looks like a sham.
Important.
Today, users can distinguish real reviews from fake ones. If a company receives dozens of enthusiastic comments without a single neutral opinion, it looks like a sham. Most companies believe that the more positive reviews, the better. But reputation is not arithmetic. It's a balance of trust and credibility, where even good comments can be harmful if they appear insincere.
Typical signals that cause distrust:
- the same style and vocabulary in every review;
- lack of specifics (everything is «great,» «everything is excellent»);
- publication dates are consecutive, as if they were uploaded in bulk;
- reviews have no «cons»—only perfect impressions.
Such a «sterile field of positivity» destroys the natural perception and undermines trust in the brand more than a couple of negative opinions.
Algorithms are not fools either.
How search engines analyze reviews.
Search engines and marketplaces have long been analyzing the tone and dynamics of reviews.